Here's where to celebrate Juneteenth
There are Juneteenth celebrations taking place all over the Bay. Photo courtesy of BARTable staff.
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, celebrates the news of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation into law. This declared all enslaved individuals in the southern rebellion states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”
Today, Jubilee Day, widely referred to as Juneteenth, is celebrated and commemorated across the United States. In the Bay Area, there are many virtual and in-person celebrations taking place. Read on to see our list.
Virtual
See the Grown Women Dance Collective perform for Juneteenth. Photo courtesy of Grown Women Dance Collective.
Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance
Allstars of the dance world come together to celebrate dance, music and American history. Beautifully crafted pieces will honor the legacy of James Brown, DMX, Bobby Womack, Nina Simone, and Maya Angelou. Using dance and music to teach and celebrate African American history, the power of dancers in their 40s and 50s uplift, inspire, and create a beautiful healing space for us to see ourselves and see each other. See the Grown Women Dance Collective website for the full schedule and more information.
A Juneteenth Tribute to James Baldwin on Zoom
James Baldwin's personal life and literary legacy are explored through his diverse life-long friendships and muses, his front-line political activism, and his cross-cultural connections and influences while living in Paris. This up close and intimate conversation includes British writer and former editor of the Times Literary Supplement James Campbell, author of "Talking at the Gates: A Life of James Baldwin" who knew Baldwin in Paris, Brooklyn based writer/essayist Clifford Thompson, "What It Is: Race, Family and One Thinking Black Man's Blues" and host Bay Area writer/poet and playwright Jewelle Gomez, "Waiting for Giovanni." RSVP for the Zoom livestream link.
Juneteenth Chat N Chill with Terrance Kelly
Celebrate Juneteenth with a little bit of history, a little bit of music, and a lotta bit of Terrance with Juneteenth Chat n Chill - Terrance Kelly on Saturday, June 19 at 10am. The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir will also be premiering "We Shall Overcome" arranged by Terrance Kelly.
East Bay
Celebrate Juneteenth at Lake Merritt in Oakland on Saturday, June 19. Photo courtesy of The Crucible.
Lake Merritt Juneteenth Festival
Experience the annual Lake Merritt Juneteenth Festival at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater. Enjoy DJs, art installations, speakers and presentations, food vendors, and more.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
The Hayward Black Business Roundtable presents its first annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration - Jobs, Wellness & Resources Fair. It'll be held at the Hayward City Hall Plaza. COVID vaccinations will also be offered. The first 300 people to receive vaccinations will receive a $50 gift card to the Hayward Farmer's Market.
Laney College Juneteenth Lawn Party
Enjoy the amazing party grooves played by the World Famous RICK & RUSS Show with CJ Flash, join the jammin' Djembe circle or dance your day away during the Afro-Caribbean dance parade. There will be great local food vendors and small business merchandising. Tickets are $10.
Bay Area Mural Program Presents: Art Clash
The Bay Area nonprofit, Bay Area Mural Program plans to host a street art competition and festival for guests of all ages. During the event, local artists will compete by creating spray paint and brushwork pieces around the theme “The Oakland Experience … What’s Your Imprint?,” vying for a $1,000 prize. Work created during the event will then be auctioned off, with 75% of profits going directly to the artist. The event is also set to feature DJ sets, live performances, and food vendors.
San Francisco
Juneteenth on the Waterfront
Celebrate local Black-owned businesses at Juneteenth on the Waterfront on Saturday, June 19. Join MegaBlack SF, CUESA, and the Port of San Francisco for a day of fun, community, and delicious, handcrafted food at the Embarcadero Ferry Terminal Plaza (south of the Ferry Building) and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Entry is free and open to the public, and food will be available for purchase.
71st Annual SF Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate Juneteenth all week long with the Fillmore Heritage Center. On Friday, June 18, from 5-8pm see the Black Panther Exhibit, hear a live DJ at the Fillmore Heritage Gallery, and learn the history of Juneteenth. On Saturday, June 19, from 12-5pm join the Juneteenth in-person celebration in the Fillmore at the Fillmore Heritage Gallery.
Let's get social.
How are you celebrating Juneteenth? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable (virtual) events, places to eat (grab take out from) and have fun (outside) around the Bay.
